HON knows learning doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. From the front office to the classroom – and every opportunity in between – we craft the products that inspire, engage and connect the ways in which students learn.

Giving students the tools they need is all about getting them in the right zone. HON has developed a concept of 4- and 6-zone classroom environments that include multiple types of furniture arrangements and the flexibility to reconfigure quickly to adapt to different learning styles.

4-ZoneSetting up a four-zone classroom puts the instructor in more control over the peer-to-peer sharing of information and positions the environment to respond to inevitable change. All four zones can be swapped and moved to support any learning activity.

6-ZoneA classroom with six distinct zones provides a variety of environments suited to different teaching and learning styles – supporting everything from attentive group focus to active areas for experimentation and idea-sharing.

In today’s classroom, the teacher is now a facilitator rather than an instructor and these zones help create the environments to support this change. The key aspects to a zone classroom are flexibility, mobility and reconfigurability. We can’t predict how the progressive classroom will continue to evolve and change, so we have decided to create spaces that have the flexibility to adapt to all the changes. Below are some additional examples on how our 4- and 6-zone classrooms can be reconfigured to adapt to different learning and teaching styles.

A classroom atmosphere that keeps students’ attention is the ultimate goal, because it helps with communication and retention. HON Learning collections embrace 21st century paradigm shifts in education to support a variety of spaces, pedagogies and technologies. At the end of the day, learning should be fun!

For more information about trends in classroom design and learning solutions from HON, visit hon.com/learning.

The workplace has gone through many shifts over the years, with style, layout, design, and furniture having a lot to do with that. My name is Jared Roumfort and I am a 21-year-old college student at the University of Northern Iowa, currently interning in Marketing at The HON Company. While being here this summer, I have already learned a lot about the workplace and the different tendencies people have. Do you like to work independently in a private space? In an open floor plan with an interactive and engaging setting? Or maybe a mixture of both?

Being in my early twenties makes me part of the Generation Z class, just missing the Millennial Generation. However, many people in college are also Millennials, making us a diverse group. From my experience, people my age favor an engaging setting within an office, allowing them to perform tasks collaboratively rather than working independently. The workplace is gravitating towards this exact style – a responsive, hands-on approach towards everyday work that makes it easier for many people my age to perform. It is important to connect and build relationships within the workplace, allowing the bonds between coworkers to be strengthened and making it feel more comfortable and inviting for everyone. Along with that, I have seen many employees my age prefer furniture that connects with an open floor plan. To support these work styles, lightweight, mobile, and flexible furniture that is adaptable for any office is becoming the norm. Tables that have a multi-purpose function are what I believe younger employees are looking for in their office spaces. The ability to customize features, such as color, design, and material, is also extremely valued.

A HON product line that often comes to mind for fitting the preferences of my generation is Flock®. In a world that increasingly values freedom and mobility, fewer people work in one spot. We all work everywhere now, constantly seeking out relaxing spaces to maximize opportunities for productivity. Flock connects home and office, bringing people together within a casual workplace setting that allows everyone to find comfort and quality. This furniture collection features soft seating products and collaborative tables for endless possibilities to mix and match in any workspace. In my opinion, younger workers need variety and choice to perform their best, seeking comfortable spaces that inspire and engage. An inviting atmosphere, like the one Flock creates, can help attract anyone to a business – especially those who focus on interaction every day.

Furniture has more of an impact on life than we may realize. We’ve all heard about the sit-to-stand revolution and a focus on wellness in the workplace. This continues to change the way we work and how we can perform and contribute while incorporating movement into the workday. Flock supports relaxed postures and encourages everyone to work in a change-of-pace environment. Another essential part of everyday life for all workers, but specifically my generation, is technology. Technology has enabled us to work from anywhere and expand our boundaries. Growing up in the era of technology has also enabled employees my age to understand and communicate thoroughly by multi-tasking. When in the office, we are no longer tethered to our desk and are free to work in various settings depending on the task. My generation is also comfortable working differently because of technology. Being able to multi-task on the phone, computer, and in person has given people a unique set of skills that benefit the modern workplace. There is a comfort working with many people nearby while still focusing on your work, and this makes Flock a very desirable and productive solution.

Overall, Flock has the ability to invite and connect people together while having a positive experience. Office spaces have evolved in more ways than one, but with the style my generation prefers, it is an exciting and welcoming change that continues to develop.

For more information about how this product line can attract and retain younger workers, check out HON’s recent Flock expansion at hon.com/flock.

The word “empower” symbolizes the authority to take control. The term incites feelings of strength, confidence and liberation.

What if I told you that you could have the power to do more with your workspace? That you could feel in control of your office surroundings and be confident that your personal work style will be supported? Meet Empower®, HON’s new benching system that connects the way people work by doing just that – empowering them to do more.

Below are a few empowering features of this new product line designed to help you work better:

PracticalityThe essence of Empower is simplicity. This new benching system is designed to be easy in every way, from specifying and ordering (including one model number typical bundles) to speedy installation and efficient power management. So no matter which direction your office is taking, whether you’re just getting started or expanding a growing business, Empower will help you get where you want to go, fast. And when you can do everything you need to do faster and easier, we call that Inspired Practicality.

VersatilityWe understand that your business is unique and that furniture is an important way to express your brand. More importantly, we understand that every individual worker deserves to establish his own personal space. Empower makes it easy to add and remove pieces as your business needs change. Available in a wide variety of paint and laminate options with several screen options to add privacy, this benching system has the personalization opportunities to create your desired look and feel.

ConnectivityThere’s no way to get around it – we all want power in our workspace (and I’m not talking about the authoritative, empowerment kind!). Say goodbye to messy extension cords and tangled cables. Empower supports fixed and mobile devices with seamless power management to each space through clean, discrete troughs in the center of the worksurfaces. It’s easy to run power from the ceiling to the workstation through a power pole, or keep cords collected and controlled from the floor to the wire trough with the vertebrae model. Additional HON Workplace tools, such as power modules, bring data directly to the surface so that you can always be connected.

To learn more about Empower benching, visit the Spotlight page at hon.com/empower.

Preside, a holistic table solution to fit your space and design aesthetic, just keeps getting better. Whether it’s used as a stand-alone solution or matched with existing HON desk lines, Preside was designed to adapt to the needs of any space, outfitting all areas: conference, meeting, café and commons, collaborative, engaging spaces and more. With so much to offer, what more could HON add? Well, this week we’re introducing three key enhancements that will make Preside an even more versatile solution.

1. From Conference Room to Collaborative SpaceThe Preside expansion addresses growing workplace trends with new collaborative table solutions. These new tables help bring people together and offer a clean, modern design. Available in 72” or 96” lengths, select from seated- or standing-height. Like the rest of the Preside line, these tables are available with or without technology. Choose between a full or half modesty panel, or a stretcher beam and no modesty panel when powered. Even more reason to love these new collaborative tables, the modesty panels can now be specified in the same laminate as the top or a coordinating laminate for a dual finish look!

2. Power Up with More Technology OptionsEveryone is plugged in and on the go, so quick and easy access to power is important in both the conference and collaborative spaces. Preside has always had power options, but our recent additions provide more flexibility. New Extron plates offer more data options such as DP, VGA, HDMI and USB. These plates fit into the existing flip-top ports making it easy to swap out when power/media needs change, creating a future-proof way to power up Preside tables. Staying connected is something to get excited about!

3. Build-Your-Own Perfect SpaceNew credenza options make it easy to create just the right solution for any space. The Preside hospitality credenza was revamped last year to add great features, like hidden drawers and ventilation for a mini-fridge. While these great options are still available, the recent expansion includes a smaller, 60” buffet credenza (also with ventilation) and new modular credenza components. The new modular models allow you to choose from a bookshelf with a door unit, an open bookshelf, or a box drawer and door unit. The units can be mixed and matched to create just the right credenza for any space. Units can then share a spanning top and a spanning back for a finished and custom look. Sizable, custom looking credenzas- who wouldn’t get excited?

Preside has always been an exciting solution, but these new expansions reinvigorate our excitement for this popular collaborative solution. Which new enhancement are you most excited about?

When designing a new office or workspace, there are several questions to consider. What size desk do I need? How do I need my furniture to function? What kind of storage should I include? What fabrics or finishes will best fit my design goals? In addition to all of these important elements of office design, I always encourage customers not to forget the accessories! Here are three reasons why.

Many of today’s office design trends are focused on finding ways to encourage movement while people work. As sit-to-stand stations become more popular, monitor arms, power options, and wire management are accessories to consider incorporating. When using a monitor arm in a standing or seated workstation, for example, the user is able to easily maintain an ergonomically-friendly position as she transitions between sitting and standing throughout the workday. If you are using a standing-height desk, worksurface height power can give you power capabilities at your fingertips with a simple power module add-on. All of these accessory options can help create a healthier and more efficient workspace.

A second benefit of accessories is the ability to adapt to a smaller work environment. With a smaller footprint comes smaller worksurfaces, but in this case you can maximize your workspace by lifting the computer monitor off with a monitor arm. Not only does this accessory serve as an ergonomic solution, but it provides more room in which to work and promotes productivity!

Clearing out the clutter to create a tidier workspace minimizes distractions and allows workers to focus on the task at hand. By adding paper management, or filing storage solutions, you can instantly clear your space and clear your mind. It’s a bonus if these storage solutions are available in bright, vibrant colors that can add to your office design and keep the space full of energy.

Whether you need to improve ergonomics, maximize space, or increase organization, there are several reasons to take advantage of workplace accessories! Visit the Accessories Spotlight Page on hon.com to learn more.

Are you always asking yourself why there aren’t more hours in the day? Take a look at the top 5 apps I recommend for being more productive at work.

App #1: Evernote

Kill the clutter with this organizational note-taking tool.

What It Does: Evernote is an app you can use to not only take notes and sync them between multiple devices, but also archive those notes and share them with colleagues and friends. Evernote has become my new pen and paper. Instead of using an average of one notebook per month to collect all my notes from meetings and to do lists, I use Evernote to record and organize my thoughts. You won’t find me rifling through piles of paper anymore and with Evernote I never have to worry about running out of ink!

App #2: Focus Lock

When everything is a distraction and you just need to focus.

What It Does: Focus Lock (only available on Android) is an app that allows you to put all the buzzes, lights, rings and dings of your phone on hold in 25 minute increments. This allows you just enough time to get into your work flow and then provides a 5 minute break so you can reconnect and sync up with some things you may have missed so you don’t fall behind on what’s happening in your work world.

App #3: ETA – travel app

Trying to beat the rush? Know your ETA with ETA.

What It Does: I’d say Google maps is the second best thing since sliced bread, the first being the ETA app. We’ve all been in those situations where it’s an unfamiliar city and you’re trying to find the location of your next appointment. The trickiest part? Navigating traffic. ETA takes out some of that stress and you are able to be more productive by not over or under estimating the amount of time you need to get to your next destination. ETA will keep you on point.

App #4: Pandora

With soothing sounds of the ocean or classic rock this app will help you get into your work flow.

What It Does: When you need to put the constant chatter of your colleagues on mute while you get that report finished, use Pandora. Blast your favorite Rolling Stones tunes or have the soothing sounds of Mozart lull you into your productive sweet spot. My personal pick when I need to get things done? Smooth jazz. It’s a station I recommend you try at least once.

App #5: Fitness Pal

Because what you eat and what you do does matter.

What It Does: Fitness Pal tracks your calories, exercise, nutrient and water intake. It also connects you to friends and support communities, AND makes you eat breakfast in the morning. Okay, maybe not that last part – that’d be too good to be true – but all the other things yes. Fitness pal is one way I track what I eat to see what’s giving me the most bang for my buck. Do you have pasta for lunch and then feel a mid-afternoon slump creeping up on you? Maybe a salad is a better option for suppressing hunger and avoiding the drop in blood sugars. Nothing can ruin productivity more than fatigue or hunger.

Try implementing these apps into your daily work routine and let me know what they do for your productivity!

You stare at your desktop at least 8 hours a day. Why not make it a work of art?

Meet my fellow teammate’s desktop:

As you can see from her full desktop, she’s a very busy person but her desktop lacks some simple organization. I’m sure there are plenty of you out there right now whose desktops look just like this. Fear not! Below are 5 great ways to not only organize your desktop, but also give you a beautiful piece of art to look at throughout the day.

First – There are a few basic customization tools and skins you can use to get desktops just like these.